New study illustrates connection between energy efficiency and home affordability

Owning or choosing to purchase an energy efficient home can lead to significant cost savings for many moderate- and middle-income homebuyers, according to a University of North Carolina study of 71,000 U.S. home loans originating between 2002 and 2012.

It’s well known that utility bills are often the second-highest monthly costs for homeowners — next to mortgage payments — and that energy-efficient technologies can play a huge role in reducing energy costs for families and business around the country.

High-performance rigid foam insulation, spray foam insulation, building wrap, window film and acrylic glazing — all made possible by chemistry — are just some of the technologies homebuilders rely on to help save energy and save you money every month, while creating a more comfortable living environment for your families.

That’s one reason why ACC supported the bipartisan Sensible Accounting to Value Energy (SAVE) Act, introduced last year by Sens. Bennet (D-Colo.) and Isakson (R–Ga.). The SAVE Act would instruct federal loan agencies to assess a borrower’s expected energy costs when financing a home and allow homeowners to finance energy upgrades as part of a mortgage.